Long Island Science Whiz Kid Launches GoFundMe for Bee Study

GREENPORT, NY - A young Greenport science whiz has kicked off a GoFundMe to help with a project that could mean a worldwide breakthrough in the study of bees.

Joe McInnis is an eighth grade student at Greenport High School working with veterinary pathologist Douglas Gregg, who's retired from the Plum Isalnd Animal Disease Center, the GoFundMe page says.

"He's helping Joe pursue a theory that an unusual viral infection is compromising honeybees' immune systems and causing colony collapse disorder. It's looking very promising. Dr. Gregg had worked on a similar kind of virus both as part of his PhD thesis and while at Plum Island and is one of very few that specializes in that particular strain," the page, posted by Joe's father Robert McInnis, states.

Recently, Joe spoke at Southold Middle School about his project.

"Pollination by honeybees produces 30 percent of our food supply and bees are dying at a rate of 30 percent each year," the page says. "As the bees say, 'If we die, we're taking all of you with us.' There are many who believe that there's a significant chance this study could help prove that this immune-supressing virus is weakening the bees enough to allow other elements to kill the bees that normally wouldn't be a problem for them."

Joe won a $250 award recently at the New York State Histotechnological Society, the youngest ever to receive a grant from that organization, his father Robert said.

"With the assistance of Dr. Gregg, Joe is doing highly complex work, that only graduate students and above might do, which involves lots of supplies, some expensive equipment such as a microtome and microfuge, costly stains and even a molecular biology technique called PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, involving duplicating DNA sequence," McInnis said. "Right now, they're making progress in a makeshift lab using donated equipment, but things have progressed to a point where additional funding is needed to complete the study. This is an important issue to Joe and, of course, the survival of us all hinges on identifying the cause of colony collapse disorder and finding a solution."

.Joe's project aims to explain the colony collapse disorder in bees, and to shine a light on why bees may be dying off.

Speaking to students in Southold, he explained why some have traditionally felt bees might be dying, such as pesticides, parasites, disease and stress.

So far, Joey has worked painstakingly for more than a year and still has a year or more of work ahead to prove his theory, including writing a paper on his groundbreaking work that will be published in a scientific journal.
Without sharing too many of the details in print until his work is copyrighted, Joey said he's always been passionate about science and when he met the science teacher, his mentor, he was excited to keep pushing the boundaries.

His mentors, Joey said, have been "amazing," he said

"Joey, I am speechless and I don't often get speechless," said Southold/Greenport School Superintendent David Gamberg. "I am absolutely amazed at the level, the caliber and the intensity with which you are pursuing this project," he said, adding that his presentation was "exceptional."

The presentation engaged students and had them following along, much like a "mystery" being solved.

McInnis, Joe's dad, said he was proud of his prodigy. "He's such a nice kid. He's loving this."

As for his "breakthrough" project, Joey is expected to be making presentations locally in weeks to come to share his work with the public.

"I've always liked bees," he said. "This is just really great."

Added his mentor, "This has worldwide implications."

So far, the GoFundMe has raised $50 of its $6,000 goal. To donate, click here.